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———————— LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ———————-

Summer is certainly in full swing in Suttons Bay, and it continues to be wonderful to see so much energy throughout our community.

We recently celebrated a ribbon cutting for Bay View Insurance, and it was a pleasure to welcome them and recognize their presence here in Suttons Bay. It’s always exciting to see businesses investing in our community, and we’re very glad to have this great group as part of it.

Coming up next is the Suttons Bay Sidewalk Sale, August 7 & 8! Be sure to make your way downtown, visit our local shops, and see what special finds and summer deals our businesses have in store. It’s a fun tradition and another great reason to spend the day in Suttons Bay.

We’re also excited to share that the Chamber will soon begin working with Kevin Jones Productions on our new Suttons Bay destination commercial. This project has been in the works for several months, and we’re looking forward to bringing the story of Suttons Bay to life - from our waterfront and walkable downtown to the businesses, experiences, and people that make our community such a special place to visit.

And beginning with our upcoming newsletters, you’ll start hearing from more than just me! We’re introducing a new “Voices of the Board” series, giving our Chamber board members an opportunity to share their perspectives, highlight what’s happening in our community, and talk about the work and ideas that are important to Suttons Bay.

I’m looking forward to passing the pen and letting you get to know some of the terrific people who help guide our Chamber.

Enjoy these beautiful summer days, and I hope to see you around town!

Cyndi Millns
President
Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce

———— CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: RIBBON CUTTINGS ————-

Did you know that ribbon cuttings are one of your benefits as a Chamber member?

New to town? New office location? Major renovation? Milestone anniversary? Celebrate the occasion with a ribbon cutting through The Chamber.

To members of the public, we encourage you to join us at any scheduled ribbon cutting (time and date details always found on The Chamber’s online calendar). To business owners, please reach out with a ribbon cutting request as appropriate to celebrate your business milestones!

Wednesday the 22nd, we welcomed Bay View Insurance to their new location in Hansen’s Plaza.

—————————- AMERICAN SPOON ——————————

Summer is here and with it tourists flood back in to soak up sunny, carefree days, parades, festivals, and the return of local farmers’ markets. Right in the heart of downtown Suttons Bay, a new American Spoon store works to become part of the tradition. We aim to become a must‑stop experience year after year. The responsibility is huge, but the reward is even bigger. Watching someone’s face light up as they taste our new Pie Filling or discover a new favorite? That moment makes every long day worth it.

This summer hits even deeper for me with the opening of the Suttons Bay store in mid‑June. It’s hard to put into words what that full‑circle moment felt like at the grand opening, welcoming first‑timers and locals, seeing months of hard work transform into a beautiful, warm, inviting space. What started as a dream is now a real store that we’re proud to share. As a local Suttons Bay citizen, I’m delighted to share our American Spoon story, showcase our delicious products, and offer our old‑fashioned hospitality to everyone who walks through the door. And honestly? It’s magic.

Christy Androsky, Retail Stores Coordinator

————————- BAY BOOKS ———————-

Forest Bathing and Readers Retreat at the beautiful, lakefront Hendryx House:

• September 18-20, 2026. Two nights, three days

• Your stay will include daily yoga and well-being meditation sessions, as well as healthy meals

• Time to read and shop for new books, swap old books, and yes, not cook a single meal or clean-up!

• Private room and accessibility to SUPs, kayaks and beach

• Space is limited to 6 adults

• Email baybooksmi@gmail.com to register.

——————- BLACK STAR FARMS ———————-

Black Star Farms delivers some of the most unique wine experiences on the Leelanau Peninsula. Enjoy memorable dining, outdoor adventures, immersive Estate and Wine Tours, or a Wine & Chocolate Workshop—all celebrating Northern Michigan’s wine, food, and hospitality.

Experience Goat Yoga for wellness, wine, and relaxation, or join Happy Hour with Goats for drink specials and furry company.

Add Paella Nights on the Patio to your summer bucket list for a unique group dining experience.

Celebrate Traverse City Food and Wine with a special Estate Cooking Demo and Dinner with Afrim Pristine. Afrim, the world’s youngest Maître Fromager (or Cheese Master), will collaborate with Black Star Farms events chef, Leah Moerdyk. Together, they have crafted a multi-course dinner that pairs artisan cheeses with locally grown ingredients and our internationally award-winning estate wines, reflecting our beautiful Leelanau Peninsula terroir.

Cheers to creating summer memories in wine country at Black Star Farms!

Learn more here.

————————- CHATEAU FONTAINE —————————--

Join us for music Wednesdays and Sundays from 4-7 pm. Stop by for a great evening on our patio with wine and music!

Learn more HERE.

————————— GREEN SUTTONS BAY ————-————-

Village Rain Garden Work Bees

9 - 11:30AM, August 3 & 20

Green Suttons Bay will continue our summer maintenance of the village rain gardens.

Please join us in helping to keep these functioning properly for collecting and filtering storm water.

Meet at the corner of M22 (St. Joseph) and Madison Street in Suttons Bay (by VI Grill). Please bring gloves, shovels, digging tools and clippers.

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Show Up / Pick Up Village Trash Clean-up

August 25, 5PM at Waterwheel Park

We will gather at Waterwheel Park (intersection of Jefferson and St. Marys Ave) then spread out to pick up litter around the village of Suttons Bay.

We need everyone’s help to keep our community clean, so bring your family, friends and neighbors!

Gloves, reflective vests, grabbers, pickers and trash bags will be available, but please consider bringing your own materials.

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Tree Watering and Maintenance

Green Suttonss Bay has planted 35 trees in the village of Suttons Bay. These new trees need weekly watering throughout the hot summer months. We are looking for volunteers to help us.

Contact us at greensuttonsbay@gmail.com

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Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook @GreenSuttonsBay

Thank you for being a part of the Green Suttons Bay community. Together, we can make a difference!

———————- HARMONY ESTATE WINERIES ———————-

Photo credit: Sarah Peschel

Sugar Loaf Red & Sugar Loaf White: Conservancy Partnership

French Valley Vineyard, part of the Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau portfolio, announced the release of two new wines: Sugar Loaf Red and Sugar Loaf White. Created in partnership with the Leelanau Conservancy, the wines support the long-term stewardship of Sugar Loaf, the iconic Leelanau County landmark recently protected from development for generations to come.

The wines are available at the French Valley tasting room. A portion from every bottle sold will be donated to the Leelanau Conservancy’s Sugar Loaf fund. The donations will help sustain trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and long-term stewardship of the 285-acre property.

“Sugar Loaf has always been part of the landscape we work in and the community we’re rooted in. When the Conservancy completed the acquisition, it felt like the whole county exhaled. We wanted to do something that made that support real and lasting — not just a moment, but a contribution that grows with every bottle we pour.” 

— Peggy Gauthier, Wine Club Manager, French Valley Vineyard

Red, White & Blues Fest: Larry Perkins, Jakob Abraham & Jim Hawley

Join us for a full day of live music, community, and giving back at our Annual Red, White & Blues Fest!

Music All Day:
Larry Perkins | 12:00–1:30 PM
Jakob Abraham | 2:00–3:30 PM
Jim Hawley | 4:00–6:00 PM
All music is weather dependent.

We’re proud to support Reining Liberty Ranch, an organization dedicated to promoting the physical, relational, and emotional health of Veterans, their families, and disabled or at-risk individuals through equine, agricultural, educational services, and community outreach.

Bel Lago’s Donation: 50% of all food sales will be donated directly to Reining Liberty Ranch.

A raffle will also be held as an additional way to raise funds in support of Reining Liberty Ranch. Please check our social media for the most up-to-date event information, including musicians and raffle.

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The Barn at French Valley Presents The Insiders • Tom Petty Tribute Band

The Insiders are the premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute experience — six veteran musicians led by front man Max Lockwood, whose vocal likeness to Petty has been turning heads and selling out rooms across the Midwest for years. Born from a sold-out benefit concert following Tom Petty's passing in 2017, the band has never looked back, earning praise from Local Spins as a group that "sets the bar at a new level for Tom Petty tributes." These songs are woven into the fabric of the American identity, and The Insiders honor that legacy every night they take the stage.

Event Details:
Friday, August 7, 2026
4:00 PM 7:00 PM
French Valley Vineyard
3655 S French Rd, Cedar, MI 49621

For the most up-to-date event information, and to purchase tickets, please check our social media.

————————————————————————————————--

The Barn at French Valley Presents: Looking Forward • Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute Band

Looking Forward is a Northern Michigan-rooted five-piece bringing stripped-down, harmony-driven arrangements of CSNY's most iconic songs to life. Anchored by the three-part harmonies of Chris Skellenger, John Kumjian, and Patrick Niemisto, the group is joined by drummer Roger Tarczon — who has performed alongside David Crosby himself — and keyboardist Tim Sparling, whose keys add rich new depth to the band's sound. Together, these seasoned musicians deliver the timeless spirit of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with warmth, authenticity, and unmistakable heart.

For the most up-to-date event information, and to purchase tickets, please check our social media.

Event Details:
Saturday, September 5, 2026
4:00 PM 7:00 PM
The Barn at French Valley Vineyard
3655 S French Rd, Cedar, MI 49621

————————————————————————————————--

Vineyard Forager’s Hike at North Farm

Join us on a guided hike with local foraging expert and naturalist Kelly Harris. Kelly will guide the group around North Farm's vineyard property to identify edibles such as mushrooms, leeks and ramps. This will be a hands-on experience. Following the hike enjoy a snack prepared by Kelly with locally foraged ingredients, paired with a glass of your choice of Harmony Estate wine (Bel Lago, French Valley or Dune Bird). Kelly prepares the snacks in a camp-site setting. Guests can linger outdoors enjoying the beautiful views and Highland cattle.

Date & Time: August 30th at 12pm

Tickets are required. Please visit HERE for ticket information.

———— INLAND SEAS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ——————

Nautical Barn Sale: Hunt for water gear and support Great Lakes education at ISEA’s Nautical Barn Sale!

Got water on the brain? Whether you're gearing up for late-summer adventures or looking to pass along equipment you no longer use, mark your calendar for the Nautical Barn Sale hosted by the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA)!

- When: Friday, August 14, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: ISEA Campus (100 Dame St, Suttons Bay)
- What you'll find: Reasonably priced canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, anchors, lines, fenders, boat hooks, and much more!

Have gear to give? ISEA is currently accepting donations of new or gently used nautical items (life jackets, paddles, water sports equipment, etc. -- Please, no books!). You can drop off items at the ISEA office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Best of all, 100% of proceeds directly fund ISEA’s hands-on Great Lakes education programs for youth across Michigan.

Learn more at schoolship.org or call (231) 271-3077.

————————————————————————————————--

Great Lakes Discovery Sail: August 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18

$40 for Adults, $30 for Children

Are you curious what lies beneath the surface of the Great Lakes? Have you ever wondered what it means to be a scientist, sailor, or steward of the Great Lakes? Join us on a Great Lakes Discovery sail for a three-hour, hands-on adventure aboard the 77-foot schooner Inland Seas to find out!

Throughout this adventure, you’ll act as a scientist by collecting fish, plankton, and organisms from the bottom of the lake using REAL scientific equipment. You’ll also get to try your hand at some on-board water chemistry and learn how scientists monitor the health of the Great Lakes. During your sail, you’ll help raise the sails and even try your hand at steering the ship!

This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends, and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes. Purchase tickets HERE.

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Fishes of Lake Michigan: August 4, 13

$35 for Adults, $25 for Children

Have you ever wondered what fish species live in the Great Lakes? Are you curious how researchers collect and identify the fish that live here? Do you want to touch or hold a real fish? This two-hour program will introduce you to the fish that thrive in Lake Michigan.

During this sail, you’ll help deploy REAL scientific equipment to collect fish from the bay and play the role of a citizen scientist by identifying and documenting the fish that are caught. All of our fish counts are reported to the Michigan DNR, so you’ll be making a real contribution to fish species monitoring. We’ll also bring along a community fish expert to answer any of your fish-related questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to play the role of schooner sailor as you help raise the sails and steer the ship.

This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends, and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes. Purchase tickets HERE.

————————————————————————————————-

Steady the Ship: August 5, 6, 12, 18

Adults $35, Children $25

Raise the anchor! Hoist the sails! On this two-hour sailing adventure, you’ll play the part of a schooner sailor as you explore the history of sailing on the Great Lakes.

Sailing was the Early European settlers’ preferred mode of water transportation, which helped facilitate not only travel between places but also the trading of goods. Today, sailing remains a popular recreational activity among Great Lakes visitors. Not only will you have the opportunity to hoist the sails and steer the ship, but you’ll also learn how sails work, what keeps the ship afloat, and why the ship moves the way it does.

This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends, and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes. Purchase tickets HERE.

————————————————————————————————-

Night Sail: August 14 & 15

Cost: $50 per person

Join us for an unforgettable two-hour experience under the stars. The night sky is a vast, breathtaking wonder—and few ever get the privilege of experiencing it from the deck of a ship.

A professional astronomer will guide your journey, helping you identify constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects visible during our cruise. As we sail into the twilight, you’ll discover the history and science of the cosmos while soaking in the profound peace of the open water after sunset. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the Great Lakes in a whole new light.

Highlights include expert-led stargazing (galaxies, stars, and celestial history), a peaceful, post-sunset cruise under full sail, and a rare nighttime perspective of the Great Lakes. Purchase tickets HERE.

————————————————————————————————--

Gull Island Sail: August 27, 8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Cost: $65

Set sail aboard the schooner Inland Seas for an unforgettable 4-hour journey to Gull Island, a unique, protected sanctuary for thousands of herring gulls located just off the coast of Northport Bay. As we cruise by the island, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Suttons Bay while respecting the birds' nesting grounds from the comfort of the deck. Local experts from the Grand Traverse Audubon Society and the Wings of Water Research Institute will be onboard to share fascinating lore, insights into ongoing research, and details about the species you will encounter. Guests can even get hands-on by helping hoist the sails and steer the ship. Purchase tickets HERE.

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Friday Night Live

Catch Inland Seas Education Association at Downtown TC’s Friday Night Live!

ISEA is taking the Great Lakes love on the road! Join us on Friday, August 7 for Downtown Traverse City’s famous Friday Night Live block party.

Whether you're strolling the all-day Street Sale or coming down for the evening festivities, be sure to stop by the ISEA booth to say hello, check out our interactive Great Lakes activities, and learn more about our hands-on educational sailing programs right here in your backyard.

When: Friday, August 7, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Street Sale runs all day!)

Where: Front Street, Downtown Traverse City

Bring the family, enjoy live music, support local non-profits, and celebrate summer in Northern Michigan. See you there!

—————- LEELANAU HOUSING COLLABORATIVE —————

————————— MAWBY —————————-

Take a look at what’s in store this month at Mawby, and visit our events page HERE for full event information, and tickets as necessary.

Camp bigLITTLE Movie Night

August 15th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lights, camera...pour. Join us at the Treehouse for movie-themed trivia, themed wine flights, costumes, and prizes. Whether you know every quote or just came for the wine, you're in the right place.

Bubbles by the Bay

August 20th, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Celebrate the region that helped put Michigan bubbly on the map. Sample sparkling wines from five local wineries while enjoying desserts, fresh fruit, cheeses, live music, and a beautiful sunset over West Grand Traverse Bay.

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How MAWBY Sparkles

Friday, August 14th, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Ever wonder what happens before the cork pops? Join us for a guided look inside our production space, learn how MAWBY sparkling wine is made, and taste unique wines along the way.

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THE GRAND TASTING

August 22nd, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Grand Tasting is the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival's largest signature event. Stop by our booth for MAWBY and bigLITTLE wines paired with a caviar bite from chef Abra Berens.

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GRAZE Leelanau

August 3 - August 17, multiple dates & times

Made for those seeking something a little more elevated than a standard tasting, GRAZE Leelanau is an intimate, guided food and wine experience featuring three curated small bites paired with MAWBY & bigLITTLE wines.

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Winemaker Wednesdays

August 5 - August 26th, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Every Wednesday from 4–6 PM, a member of our winemaking team will be at the MAWBY tasting room to talk wine, answer questions, and pour you something special

————————— OLTERSDORF REALTY ————————-

————————- SHARECARE OF LEELANAU ————-———-

Mark your calendars! ShareCare of Leelanau’s Gala Fundraiser is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at The Ridge at Verterra (8080 N Swede Rd, Northport).

5:00 PM: Hors d'oeuvres, Silent Auction, Happy Hour

6:00 PM: Dinner is served.

Tickets are $125 per person and are limited. Call or email Dawn using the contact information below to order yours today!

For sponsorship information or donations to the silent auction, please reach out to Dawn at 231-256-0221 ext. 302 or via email at dawn@ShareCareLeelanau.org.

———————- STATE SAVINGS BANK ————————-

State Savings Bank 130th Anniversary

After first opening our doors 130 years ago, we now have banking offices in Beulah, Empire, Frankfort, Gaylord, Suttons Bay and Traverse City and loan centers in Big Rapids, Caro, and Houghton Lake. State Savings Bank offers checking and savings accounts, CDs, IRAs; mortgage, home equity, consumer, and commercial loans; and business cash management including ACH and remote deposit.

Our employees live, work and volunteer in our communities, so when you bank with us, you're being taken care of by someone who knows you. You'll always receive individual attention—the kind of personal service you'd expect from a good neighbor. That's what makes us the "Yes, I can!" bank.

————- SUTTONS BAY BINGHAM DISTRICT LIBRARY —————

How Do You Dig a Dinosaur? with Paleontologist Ashley Hall

Wednesday, August 19 at 10:30 am, North Park Pavilion, Suttons Bay

Paleontologist and children’s book author Ashley Hall is joining us for an exciting, educational, and engaging presentation for all ages. We heard she might even bring some fossils!

Book Lovers Mixer: Friday, August 28 at 6pm

Do you love books? Want to meet other book lovers? The Book Lovers Mixer is for you!

Enjoy light refreshments, try your luck at winning a door prize, and meet & mingle with other readers.

No pre-registration needed, open to all book lovers!

Please note that the library will close at 5pm and reopen at 5:45pm for this event.

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Limiting Light Pollution: Why? How?: Presented by Leelanau Dark Sky, a Chapter of Leelanau Energy

Wednesday, August 26 at 5pm

Learn about best practices for outdoor lighting. Join friends and neighbors to share ideas about safety at night that preserves the health of all.

Free Dark Sky light bulb (while supplies last).

Presented by Leelanau Dark Sky, a Chapter of Leelanau Energy.

Questions: info@leelanauenergy.org

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Outdoor Story Time: Tuesdays August 4 & 11 at 10:30 am

Preschool children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs and more!

Every Tuesday at 10:30 am behind the library, overlooking the beach. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on.

Rain site will be the library’s lower-level Community Room.

Please note that the last Outdoor Story Time will be August 11. There will be no Story Time August 18 - September 1.

Story Time will be back in the fall!